[aargee]

@Insaan - Good news & bad news to update.
Good News - I'd a talk with him & he was interested in restoration
Bad News - He's interested only in painting & fixing up things & not in restoring things to perfection. His budget is 10K.

Well I'd to agree because he wants to enjoy the ride now & does not want to keep waiting for ever to restore. After an year or so, he doesn't know whether his health will permit him to even ride. So he wants to do things ASAP. Anyway, this work will commence only by mid of June once my RX restoration is completed. Will keep you posted on the work updates in this thread (if you permit) or through PM.

Thanks again for offering your help.

[insaneinsaan]

Of course aargee, please feel free to update on anything relating to this model.

Whenever you see the bike next, don't forget to get a few snapshots.

I have managed to befriend someone in Poland, who is open to helping me with some parts that are impossible here. Hopefully it will work out.

Till then I will put the restoration on hold, also because my mechanic has said that he will be free to work on it only in mid June or so.

I have meanwhile acquired a copy of the original Escorts Rajdoot parts catalog for this exact model as well as the Ranger (thanks to Pravin!). It revealed that the Polish type taillight (red type shown in picture) was standard on this model originally, even in India. I first was given the impression that the orange and red taillight was original to this model. But it is actually typical of the 1974 Ranger model. It may be however, that this taillight also came on the last few SHL bikes.

I will also make a list of parts that are specific ONLY to this model, and not to the later rajdoots. This will make it clear which parts to be more alert for, since they will be much rarer. This list already includes:
1) Entire headlight assembly + ignition nut chrome surround
2) Entire tail light assembly including gasket
3) Handlebar including Levers and lever supports (yokes)
4) Entire Tank + plates + rubber pads
5) Silencer

I do know that the rear mudguard and panels, engine etc are same as later rajdoots.

What about the carburettor? petrol tap? silencer Bendpipe? Tank lid? Seat?

Also can anyone tell me till which model did the Rajdoot bikes have earle's forks like in my bike? I think I read that somewhere down the line they changed to telescopic forks.

Thanks!
Shirish

[ajay2233]

Am very happy to hear that some one is restoring a Rajdoot. My dad got his bike fully painted and restored a few years back, it still runs like a dream.
regarding the chroming part of the silencer , make sure it has not been re cgromed earlier. If not you can chrome it as Rajdoot silencers were quite thick in make.
I would be happy to help you with the parts if I can find one around. Since mine was an 83 model, I did not have any issues with the Tail lamp.
Let me know if it is possible to find a pair of rear shocks as thay are not the stock in mine.
Let me know if i could be of any help.

[insaneinsaan]

Hi Ajay,

Great to hear from you. It feels good to know that I'm not the only crazy guy who likes old Rajdoots.

Regarding parts, ANY parts you can get which are specific to this model (This includes front and rear forks and related items, tail light and related, head light and related, tank and related, silencer and related) are most welcome. I would happily take extra parts for my bike if available. In other stuff, I'm keen on:

1) Rajdoot 175 cylinder/piston kit (std bore)
2) Rajdoot 175 electronic ignition kit (magneto, 12V stator with pick up coil, CDI, Regulator and wiring)

I was quoted a large amount for both these items (and the blockpiston wasn't even OE), but I hope to be able to acquire them within reasonable prices (I think 1200 to 1500 for a cylinder piston kit should be reasonable, but correct me if I'm wrong).

Some parts shops would be happy to clear their Rajdoot 175 spares at cost or even scrap them (to make way for pulsar and TVS parts), we should make use of that situation.

Will let you know about the rear shocks. I think my parts shop had one.

I have been shopping around for the parts, and learnt the following:

1) steering lock: There are 2 sizes. First I bought two, both turned out to be the wrong size. Finally I found one in the smaller size, which fits this old model. Now I at least don't feel my bike is begging to be stolen!

2) Tank Lid with lock: This is more easily available than the lockless version (for obvious reasons). I mean, we don't need to beg people to steal our fuel. We have mechanics for that after all! But still, would like to have an extra original type lockless one.

3) Rajdoot monograms: Original are in chromed brass. Found only one worn piece with difficulty, among numerous other local ones which looked badly finished and delicate. Look out for the brass ones, they're good.

4) Chain cover rubber and panel beading rubber: These should be available in PVC. I managed to get a fresh set at MRP.

5) Air filter: The round type goes on this model, but it's not hard to find.

6) Lever Yokes: Found 2 sets in black powder coat. Will polish to bare aluminium like original.

7) Levers: Only found ballend black powder coat. Looking for the ones in the attached picture. Otherwise will have to grind and polish to aluminium.

8) Air control levers (Decompressor lever): Luckily found 2 original ones marked Rajdoot. But now I need a cable. My friend says I can use some substitute??

9) Gear changer rubber and kick rubber: The vertically ribbed type is original. Found a few pieces.

10) Footrest rubber: Horizontally ribbed ones are very hard to find. If anyone gets these, buy as many as possible! They are rare and very classic.

11) Left handle grip and cast, accelerator twist and grip: Got these both unfortunately one grip had a slightly different (diagonal) pattern and one was straight. The ends of these grips have a "mushroom" insert one of which I am missing.

12) Fork screw: Thanks to Layzone, I will have a spare with the original E/L monogram.

13) Speedo worm: Got a metal set quite easily. This locks in with a little washer on the rear wheel.

14) Tank rubber kneepads: Miraculously scored 2 sets of this but I don't have the metal plates on which to mount them.

15) Packing set: was easy to get

16) Cable set: Easily available but can omeone recommend a good quality OE brand?

17) Brake shoes: Also easily available, but in different aftermarket brands. Need good quality OE brand. Recommendations anyone?

18) Brake light switch: Got it easily

19) Spark plug: Which type is the best for this model? Is there any NGK plug which will yield better results?

Here are close up pictures below of the correct lever/yokes, the tail light lens, and the original Polish mudflap. On Rajdoots this came in black with Escorts logo but similar shape. Would prefer the grey one though, it's prettier.

Thanks and Cheers
Shirish

[powertwin]

Originally Posted by insaneinsaan

@powertwin, eager to check out your taillight, am wondering what it looks like!

A correction, as told earlier it is TAIL LIGHT LENS & hereafter its yours not mine...Here is it
ps: Note the "E/L star shield logo"

[powertwin]

Originally Posted by insaneinsaan

Hi Ajay,









Air control levers (Decompressor lever): Luckily found 2 original ones marked Rajdoot. But now I need a cable. My friend says I can use some substitue




14) Tank rubber kneepads: Miraculously scored 2 sets of this but I don't have the metal plates on which to mount them.

.

Thanks and Cheers
Shirish

Hi Shrish,
What you mean by saying air Control lever & de-Compressor Lever???
Do your Bike have a " DE- Compressor Valve provision" in the Cylinder Head, coz I haven't seen one in RD 175 Bikes...
If you don't mind can you post close up pics of your Engine ( Cylinder Head)

** About knee pad inner sheet metal holders, simple, just mark the peripheral contour of you rubber knee pads (left & right separately) on the metal sheet ( 1.2 mm to 1.6mm preferable ) add Just mark 3.5mm to 4mm inside the previous marks contour and now cut the sheet metal, trim ,file make holes & slightly bend it by hand to match the sheet metal on to the Tank's outer shape ( on the pad fitment area).....
Know you can push your rubber pads to the SM & that's it ...done
Hope you got it !!!

[insaneinsaan]

Beautiful, powertwin! I can't tell u how excited I am that I will have the taillight! I suppose I can modify another rear light holder to match? What do you advise? Jawa maybe?

About the air control lever, I actually don't believe te head has any provision for it :-( Perhaps the Indianised head didn't include the provision for it, and I'm pretty sure my cylinder head is made in India.

But what's written in the parts catalog is irrefutable.. The original model definitely had an air control lever. I have even seen Polish versions of the bike online (SHL M11) and many of them have got this part fixed on it.

I guess a cylinder head is now on my list of parts to get from Poland!

[Ajaybiz]

Lovely my uncle had this but he sold in 1985 after buying Priya scooter for himself after that dont know where it went.
Couple of weeks back i saw one restored DKW 175 looks like they all shares similer DNA.
Very soon ill be also sharing something about Rajdoot over here .

[ajay2233]

Originally Posted by insaneinsaan

Beautiful, powertwin! I can't tell u how excited I am that I will have the taillight! I suppose I can modify another rear light holder to match? What do you advise? Jawa maybe?

Hi,

I guess I have been offline on this thread for a very long time.
Will post on the items available with me soon.

Pls dont alter a jawa tail lamp. A jawa taillamp is something thats very hard to find these days. Pls preserve it as jawa is also a great bike.

[ajay2233]

Hi Sirish,
Please note that I have replied and added comments along side in BOLD
Let me know in case you need any part very badly to get your bike to running condition

Regards,
Ajay

Originally Posted by insaneinsaan

Hi Ajay,

Great to hear from you. It feels good to know that I'm not the only crazy guy who likes old Rajdoots. Well, my entire faily is crazy about this Bike

Regarding parts, ANY parts you can get which are specific to this model (This includes front and rear forks and related items, tail light and related, head light and related, tank and related, silencer and related) are most welcome. I would happily take extra parts for my bike if available. In other stuff, I'm keen on:

1) Rajdoot 175 cylinder/piston kit (std bore) Try looking in the Bihar , Jharkhand,UP belt, will find a new std bore piston sets, 100's of RD's are still running in these places, Engine parts are easily available in these places
2) Rajdoot 175 electronic ignition kit (magneto, 12V stator with pick up coil, CDI, Regulator and wiring) Same

I was quoted a large amount for both these items (and the blockpiston wasn't even OE), but I hope to be able to acquire them within reasonable prices (I think 1200 to 1500 for a cylinder piston kit should be reasonable, but correct me if I'm wrong). It would be around 2000 , I got one set when I visited Ranchi 6 months back, It was OE

I will look out for another OE, if I find, its for you

Some parts shops would be happy to clear their Rajdoot 175 spares at cost or even scrap them (to make way for pulsar and TVS parts), we should make use of that situation. Yes but nowadays situation is other way, more and more people want to restore their family bikes , and these parts are being traded like gold ( localy made duplicate ones are silver)

Will let you know about the rear shocks. I think my parts shop had one.
Please do , If I get those, my vehicle will be complete.

I have been shopping around for the parts, and learnt the following:

1) steering lock: There are 2 sizes. First I bought two, both turned out to be the wrong size. Finally I found one in the smaller size, which fits this old model. Now I at least don't feel my bike is begging to be stolen!
I have still not found a suitable one. that makes my bike incomplete

2) Tank Lid with lock: This is more easily available than the lockless version (for obvious reasons). I mean, we don't need to beg people to steal our fuel. We have mechanics for that after all! But still, would like to have an extra original type lockless one. Do you have an Extra piece

3) Rajdoot monograms: Original are in chromed brass. Found only one worn piece with difficulty, among numerous other local ones which looked badly finished and delicate. Look out for the brass ones, they're good.

I have one extra piece, let me know if you want , but its not new found it at a scrap dealers shop

4) Chain cover rubber and panel beading rubber: These should be available in PVC. I managed to get a fresh set at MRP. thats easy, TVS 50's will do

5) Air filter: The round type goes on this model, but it's not hard to find.

6) Lever Yokes: Found 2 sets in black powder coat. Will polish to bare aluminium like original. Is another set available at the shop you bought it from, wouldn't mind in having a spare set.

7) Levers: Only found ballend black powder coat. Looking for the ones in the attached picture. Otherwise will have to grind and polish to aluminium.
Keep the Ballends, I have damaged many cars with my Jawas levers


8) Air control levers (Decompressor lever): Luckily found 2 original ones marked Rajdoot. But now I need a cable. My friend says I can use some substitute?? Whats this , Iam not aware of this , please post a picture of this

9) Gear changer rubber and kick rubber: The vertically ribbed type is original. Found a few pieces. I have a new gear changer and kicker lever set, so rubber is also there

10) Footrest rubber: Horizontally ribbed ones are very hard to find. If anyone gets these, buy as many as possible! They are rare and very classic. I have the Bullet's for the front and RD's for the back. Front one is not available in madras, hard to find

11) Left handle grip and cast, accelerator twist and grip: Got these both unfortunately one grip had a slightly different (diagonal) pattern and one was straight. The ends of these grips have a "mushroom" insert one of which I am missing.

12) Fork screw: Thanks to Layzone, I will have a spare with the original E/L monogram.

13) Speedo worm: Got a metal set quite easily. This locks in with a little washer on the rear wheel. Mine works on the front wheel, i never thought of getting a stock for this

14) Tank rubber kneepads: Miraculously scored 2 sets of this but I don't have the metal plates on which to mount them. I got the side chrome sets , my bike has Chrome sides

15) Packing set: was easy to get Buy and keep 2/3 sets

16) Cable set: Easily available but can omeone recommend a good quality OE brand? Use Hero Honda cables, long lasting ones

17) Brake shoes: Also easily available, but in different aftermarket brands. Need good quality OE brand. Recommendations anyone?

18) Brake light switch: Got it easily

19) Spark plug: Which type is the best for this model? Is there any NGK plug which will yield better results? Use the plug that TVS service centre gives for Max 100 R, Generally you will get original Bosch only here.

Here are close up pictures below of the correct lever/yokes, the tail light lens, and the original Polish mudflap. On Rajdoots this came in black with Escorts logo but similar shape. Would prefer the grey one though, it's prettier. Let me know if atleast the Black ones are available

Thanks and Cheers
Shirish

[deutscheafrikar]

insaneinsaan
Nice to see a bike with the earles front fork. I saw one in Goa last month and stood to click a photograph. The tank was different so maybe the newer model. Did you try Park auto for spares?
cheers

[insaneinsaan]

Hi Deutscheafrikar,
Actually that's the one store I have yet to call. Will do so.
Ajay,
1) Steering lock you must mention if you want the larger one (I don't know exactly which models this will fit) or the smaller one (this fits my model, that is 111). I can probably get either quite easily.
2) Tank Lid would also be easily available in chrome, but with the lock and key.
3) Yokes and levers I had seen more in that shop, but I didn't want to buy and keep too many extra parts (I have sometimes regretted having a large stock of extra parts). So when I go back there I'll pick you up a set of each.
4) Can you post pics of your footrests?
5) Will ask about the rear shocks, if I get them but I think he quoted around 600 each.

There is also a shop in Mumbai which keeps a large quantity of Jawa parts. He's getting some Rajdoot parts for me as well.

Let's see what happens, in the meantime, let me know what you want.
To be honest, I don't think there's any parts I need from you, unless you can get me an electronic ignition kit for under 2500.

[powertwin]

Pictures by insaneinsaan - Photobucket

Hi ,
What guessed was right
The Air -control Lever you were talking all these days was a a " Choke Lever" for Amal Carburetor fitted Rajdoots, Many Rajdoots pre '66 had Amal Concentric Carbs ( yes the same British carb)
Few pages from Rajdoot parts manual ( which you sent me) shows the Choke lever details....Just go through the manual carefully ( we couldn't see since its cropped).
I have sourced a H/L glass also in addition to the Tail light lens,..as your friend to collect it, here is it...

[powertwin]

Originally Posted by ajay2233

Hi,

I guess I have been offline on this thread for a very long time.
Will post on the items available with me soon.

Pls dont alter a JAWA tail lamp. A JAWA taillamp is something thats very hard to find these days. Pls preserve it as jawa is also a great bike.

Your right Ajay2233 !!
Again its simple, just make bottom portion of tail light like Jawa, but OUTER PERIPHERY as in the Rajdoot Tail light, ask your Mechanic to make two + two contacts in brass with one side insulating with fiber ,so as to avoid closing the loop.
You must locate the contacts to hold a Festoon Bulb ( tube Bulb in simple words as in Jawa)
It is easy to make the bottom light portion....If in doubt just see a Jawa light in flesh,..
Even if you have a Jawa tail light for this purpose, plenty of trimming & bending required...there is a chance of losing the insulators, while bending the bottom plate to rear Mudguard's contour, be careful dude

[powertwin]

Yesterday, while passing a pose locality at my city saw this Bike ( a WFM Rajdoot) immediately thought a fresh sampling will help me, clicked some pics for our Friend insane...... though the Bike is not 100% stock, but it is clean decent ( No kneepads, no tail lights &stuff)
@ all plz note : Earlier WFM Rajdoots had Aluminum Chain guards
pps: & for Sure, the present owner won't sell this WFM, b'coz Bike is fitted with new Ceat Tyres & note he has highlighted the WFM in red paint
( this is Classic Bike deal physiologic....what say???)